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Kapil Bhalodiya
Kapil Bhalodiya

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🚀 How I Passed the CKAD Exam

#kubernetes #devops #docker #learning

Real-world preparation tips, resources, and practice scenarios to crack the Kubernetes CKAD certification

Passing the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer (CKAD) exam was a big milestone in my DevOps journey. This blog post is a complete guide based on my real-world experience—designed to help you succeed in your first attempt too.

🧠 What is CKAD?

The CKAD exam tests your ability to design, build, and run applications on Kubernetes. It's hands-on, performance-based, and 2 hours long, with about 15-20 scenario-based questions.

Key areas it covers:

  • Pod design
  • Configuration
  • Multi-container pods
  • Observability
  • Services & Networking
  • State persistence

⏳ My Preparation Timeline

Week Activity
1–2 Understand exam structure, set up local lab
3–4 Practice each topic using kubectl and YAML
5–6 Attempt mock exams, simulate real exam conditions
7 Final revision, focus on speed & shortcuts

🛠️ My Study Resources

📘 Courses

📚 Docs You Should Bookmark (Yes, you can use them during the exam!)

🧪 Practice Labs

💡 Pro Tips That Helped Me

1. Master kubectl Autocomplete 

source <(kubectl completion bash)
alias k=kubectl
complete -F __start_kubectl k
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2. Use Imperative Commands

Example:

kubectl create deployment nginx --image=nginx --dry-run=client -o yaml > nginx.yaml
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Saves time and helps avoid YAML syntax errors.

3. Keep a Notebook of Common Snippets

I created a personal cheat sheet of YAML templates for:

  • Pods
  • Deployments
  • Services
  • ConfigMaps
  • Secrets
  • PersistentVolumeClaims

4. Practice Fast File Navigation

Use:

cd /etc/kubernetes/manifests/
vi myfile.yaml
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Also:

  • Use :set number in Vim
  • Copy-paste YAML snippets smartly using mouse or middle-click

🎯 Exam Strategy

  • Start with the easiest questions first
  • Skip long multi-step tasks and come back later
  • Use bookmarks (CTRL+F) to search within docs fast
  • Always validate your answers using: 
kubectl get <resource> -o yaml
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📦 My Lab Setup

  • Ubuntu VM (min 2 CPU, 4GB RAM)
  • Minikube or KIND (Kubernetes IN Docker)
  • VSCode + terminal
  • tmux or split terminal view

🎉 Final Thoughts

Cracking the CKAD exam was not just about knowing Kubernetes—it was about becoming confident in using it practically.

If you're aiming for the exam:

“Don’t just study. Simulate. Recreate scenarios and break things—then fix them.”

🧵 Stay Connected

I’m sharing more DevOps + Kubernetes tips on LinkedIn.

Feel free to DM if you're preparing—I'd be happy to help!

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